YOUNGSTOWN (January 22, 2015) – At their meeting today, the Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County honored The James and Coralie Centofanti Charitable Foundation for their generous donation of $200,000 to the capital campaign for the new Canfield Library.

The foundation made the donation October 23, 2014, and is the largest donor to-date in the campaign for the new library, which is currently under construction at 43 West Main St., Canfield. The previous library closed in September and a groundbreaking was held on October 3 for the new building.

Plans have been in the works for nearly a decade for this new Canfield Library and the Library Board of Trustees has been saving money for the project. The Library operates debt-free and pays for projects without bond issues or loans, which are costly. The community has been involved in fundraising activities.

The previous Canfield Library, built in 1969, is 5,104 square feet. The new branch will be 18,514 square feet. Construction is expected to take one year to a year and a half. Project estimated cost is $4.9 million. Architect is Ronald Cornell Faniro. General Contractor is Hudson Construction.

Dr. David Ritchie, president of the Library Board of Trustees, expressed his gratitude to the Centofanti Foundation for their generous support of the new Canfield Library. “The Library is pleased to accept the generous donation of $200,000 from the Centofanti Foundation. It is heartening to know that the Foundation honoring James and Coralie Centofanti has placed such trust in the Mahoning County library system. We know the community will be pleased with its new library, once it opens later this year. Donations such as this help make our library system and our local libraries strong.”

Library Executive Director Heidi Daniel said, “We’re very excited about this new library in Canfield. We strongly believe it will enrich the community in so many ways. And with that in mind, gifts like this wonderful donation from the Centofanti Foundation show that the community is behind its library and reaffirm our belief that the community believes in the importance of libraries. This show of support warms our hearts and we are deeply grateful.”

Deborah Liptak, Library Development Director, said, “The Library is grateful that this contribution to the new Canfield Library reflects the legacy of the Centofantis and their wishes for their community.”For more information on how you can support your library, contact the Library’s Development Department at 330.740.6086.

James and Coralie CentofantiJames Centofanti was born in Sulmona, Italy, and immigrated to the United States as a young boy. He grew up in Youngstown and served in the Marines during World War II. Following the war, Mr. Centofanti was a business owner, philanthropist and horseman. He was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of Farmers National Bank, Canfield. His philanthropic efforts benefitted numerous organizations in the Canfield area, particularly educational and community efforts. Mrs. Coralie Centofanti passed away in 1999 and James Centofanti in 2010.

The Library thanks Rotary Clubs for their generous support of Summer Reading Rotary donation

Seen from left are Mark Cole, President of the Rotary Club of Austintown; Randy Swartz, President of the Rotary Club of Canfield; and Jay Summer, President of the Rotary Club of Boardman

Thank you to Home Savings for your generosity! Home Savings donation

James Sebastian, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the Home Savings Poland Office, presented Library Executive Director Heidi Daniel (right) and Development Director Deborah Liptak with $125 in honor of the bank's 125th anniversary

The Library Foundation established the Martha Muransky Children’s Literacy Fund to support Children’s Summer Reading and children’s literacy programs

Building and maintaining top quality libraries is a priority. Our new libraries provide a way for donors to make a valuable contribution to both The Library and the community. Consider a donation to one of The Library’s building projects.

The Library's Literary Society is a celebration of reading and literacy and how they enrich our lives. The Literary Society's goal is to offer enriching programs by bringing in noted authors and illustrators.